duke it out

/djˈuːk ɪt ˈaʊt/

/dˈuːk ɪt ˈaʊt/

[phrase]

to duke it out

[PHRASE]

to argue or fight until a disagreement is resolved

What is the origin of the idiom "duke it out" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "duke it out" is believed to be associated with the word "duke" being used as a slang term for a fist. This suggests that the phrase originally referred to two individuals settling a dispute or engaging in a physical fight using their fists, hence "duking it out." While the precise historical origins of this expression may be somewhat unclear, it is commonly used in English to describe a situation in which two parties engage in a vigorous or intense conflict or competition to resolve a dispute or determine superiority. It signifies a heated and determined effort to resolve a conflict or determine a winner, and it can be applied to a variety of contexts, from sports competitions and business negotiations to personal disagreements or political debates.

to engage in a physical fight, typically using one's fists

Examples

1. Companies will have to duke it out among themselves.

2. He's eager to see the two candidates duke it out in the debate.

3. And, they can say they did manage to duke it out.

4. They were about to duke it out.